Topp Prize

The Topp Prize, awarded for the first time in 2022, is a non-competitive prize celebrating a ‘wild-card’ in the New Zealand comedy scene, as befitting the wild-card spirit of its trail-blazing namesakes, Dame Jools and Lynda Topp.

Each year, the Topp Prize will be awarded to a practicing individual, duo or group with a strong, clear and unique voice; a person or group making us laugh in Aotearoa with an out-of-the-box approach, whether that comedy takes place on the stage, on the screen or in a completely unexpected comedy space altogether.

Where the New Zealand Comedy Trust’s other two main prizes, the Billy T and the Fred, reward a live stage show within the context of the NZ International Comedy Festival, the Topp Prize celebrates a current body of work from any corner of the comedy sphere, on or off the live stage, within or beyond Aotearoa.

The recipient is gifted $15,000 and a trophy. Both are budgeted for and provided by the New Zealand Comedy Trust, which also coordinates the selection panel, prizegiving and communications.

It is not possible to apply for the award — the recipient is informed of their selection and asked if they will accept the prize. The prize can only be awarded once to each recipient.

In keeping with laureate-style awards across the Aotearoa arts community, the Topp Prize bestows prestige and recognition. Just as importantly, in keeping with the spirit of New Zealand comedy, it celebrates irreverence and joy.